Michigan snapped a seven-game losing streak to Ohio State last year. That was Brady Hoke’s first year and came before the arrival of Urban Meyer. Now, both men are fully entrenched and as Ohio natives, the two coaches get what this game is all about. The undefeated and fourth-ranked Buckeyes are playing for their season’s championship, while No. 20 Michigan has to win to have a chance at the Big Ten title game.

On the line

More than you’d think, considering the extenuating circumstances. Ohio State is on NCAA probation, but still can finish the season unbeaten—and maybe claim The Associated Press national title. Michigan needs a victory and a Nebraska loss to Iowa to win the Legends Division and meet Wisconsin in the Big Ten Championship Game.

Sideline view

Ohio State

Don’t think it’s all Braxton Miller. While the sophomore quarterback was the key to the team in the first half of the season, the Buckeyes have gotten strong work from TB Carlos Hyde and the defense—riddled over the first half of the season—has bulked up and become a team strength. After giving up 49 points to Indiana on Oct. 13, Ohio State has given up 81 points over the last four games and is getting key third down stops. While this team still revolves around Miller, the improvement on defense is the reason Ohio State is unbeaten.

Michigan

The offense stumbled into using QB Devin Gardner three weeks ago, and hasn’t been the same since. Gardner has given the offense more balance with his ability to throw with accuracy and run when he needs to. Michigan now has the ability to rotate Gardner and former starter Denard Robinson (injured throwing elbow) in pass-run situations, or use Robinson out of the backfield at tailback. Michigan isn’t as solid defensively as it was last year—or maybe it has played better teams this fall?—and needs a more consistent offense to plug holes left by the defense.

Critical matchup

Michigan’s back seven vs. Miller: This is where Miller does the most damage in the run game. Once he gets by the first level, his ability to make slower linebackers miss and break tackles from safeties or cornerbacks is the reason he has become so dangerous in the run game. If he gets to the second level, the odds of him breaking a long run with his speed significantly increase.

Backpedal

Michigan snapped a seven-game losing streak to Ohio State last year in Ann Arbor, giving coach Brady Hoke his first signature victory. That win and the subsequent victory in the Sugar Bowl against Virginia Tech were huge for recruiting. It allowed the Wolverines to show recruits that this program wasn’t like the previous three years under former coach Rich Rodriguez. A month later, Michigan landed a top 10 recruiting class, and is on the verge of landing a top five class this February.

Sunday ticket

Three potential first-round picks in next April’s NFL draft: Michigan OT Taylor Lewan and Ohio State DT Johnathan Hankins are locks for the first round, and Ohio State DE/LB John Simon could sneak into the late first round. The most intriguing player on either team, though, is Robinson. He won’t play quarterback in the NFL, but someone will draft him, most likely as a punt and kick returner and possibly to play wide receiver.